Professional qualification requirements affecting service exports from the UK to the United States
Trade barrier summary
This affects exporters of services to the United States, particularly the medical, legal, engineering, architectural and accountancy professions. Certain professions in the United States require licensing, usually through state level bodies. Different states and different professions often have differing requirements.
Some professions have a degree of mutual recognition such as the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) covering 25 states, allowing nurses to move freely from one job to another across these states’ lines. In contrast, lawyers typically have to be admitted by the bar in every individual state they wish to practise.
This barrier impacts individuals and UK companies operating in these sectors looking to establish business or provide additional expertise on an ad-hoc basis in the United States.
Sectors affected
- Advanced engineering
- Financial and professional services
- Construction
- Education and training
Resolved
No
Date reported
19 August 2019
Last updated
18 December 2020
Public ID
PID-MGX8R9
If a trade barrier is affecting your exports or investment from the UK, please let us know on report a trade barrier .
If you export goods you can check duties and customs procedures for your chosen market.